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Mango trees are susceptible to fungal infections, especially when the weather is wet for extended periods. Fungus growth on the trees can be prevented by applying a fungicide during the growing season. The California Rare Fruit Growers recommends taking preventative steps as the best method for controlling fungus infections on the trees. The application of chemicals is the preferred treatment for best results at keeping the mango trees healthy and productive.

Powdery Mildew and Anthracnose Fungus

Powdery mildew appears as a white powder on the leaves, flowers and fruit. Dark brown spots with a greasy appearance form along the bottom side of the leaves as the season progresses. Anthracnose is a fungus that attacks the leaves, branches, fruit and flowers on the mango trees. Symptoms of an infection are sunken black spots that are irregular in shape. The spots enlarge as the infection goes untreated, and cause blossom blight and fruit rot.

Mango Scab

Mango scab is a less common fungus infection on mango trees. This type of fungus infects the leaves, branches, flowers and fruit on a mango tree. This infection looks similar to the Anthracnose fungus in the early stages, but then will form a brown tissue on the fruit and cause the leaves to become distorted. Mango scab is not as common in mango trees because the same fungicide sprayed on the trees for the prevention of the Anthrocnose fungus will prevent mango scab from forming.

Application

California Rare Fruit Growers recommends spraying a fungicide that contains copper as the active ingredients directly on the leaves and branches of the trees. Choose an overcast day when no risk of rain exists to prevent burning the delicate flowers or fruit on the trees. A weekly application of fungicide from the time when buds bloom until the end of harvest helps prevent an outbreak of the fungus.

Considerations

Monitor the new growth on the tree and apply fungicide to these areas when reapplying the treatment. Wet climate conditions increase the risk of developing and spreading a fungus infection. More frequent applications of the fungicide is needed when these conditions occur since rain can decrease the effectiveness of the treatment. Choose an anthracnose-resistant variety of mango tree to reduce the risk of developing a fungus infection. Some options for disease resistance include Brooks and Earlygold.

About the Author

Jennifer Loucks has been writing since 1998. She previously worked as a technical writer for a software development company, creating software documentation, help documents and training curriculum. She now writes hobby-based articles on cooking, gardening, sewing and running. Loucks also trains for full marathons, half-marathons and shorter distance running. She holds a Bachelor of Science in animal science and business from University of Wisconsin-River Falls.